Introduction: Introduction to Herbal/Natural Cosmetics MCQs With Answer is designed for M.Pharm students to deepen their understanding of plant-based cosmetic science. This collection focuses on core areas such as phytochemistry, extraction techniques, formulation strategies, stability, quality control, regulatory considerations, and safety evaluation specific to herbal cosmetics. Each question is crafted to test conceptual knowledge and practical application relevant to research, industry and regulatory roles. Answers are provided to reinforce learning and self-assessment. Use these MCQs to prepare for examinations, vivas, and professional practice, and to build a solid foundation for developing safe, effective and standardized herbal cosmetic products.
Q1. Which statement best defines a “herbal cosmetic” in the context of modern formulation science?
- Products made exclusively from whole plant powders without any processing
- Cosmetic products formulated primarily from plant-derived ingredients with minimal synthetic additives while meeting safety and stability requirements
- Any cosmetic claiming natural origin irrespective of ingredient sourcing or processing
- Home-made herbal preparations with no requirement for quality control
Correct Answer: Cosmetic products formulated primarily from plant-derived ingredients with minimal synthetic additives while meeting safety and stability requirements
Q2. Which extraction technique is most suitable for isolating thermolabile active constituents from botanicals intended for cosmetic use?
- Soxhlet extraction with reflux
- Hydrodistillation
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Hot maceration
Correct Answer: Supercritical CO2 extraction
Q3. Which class of phytochemicals is primarily responsible for antioxidant activity in many herbal cosmetic ingredients?
- Alkaloids
- Terpenes
- Phenolic compounds (including flavonoids and phenolic acids)
- Saponins
Correct Answer: Phenolic compounds (including flavonoids and phenolic acids)
Q4. For standardization and batch-to-batch consistency of a herbal extract used in a cream, which analytical approach is most appropriate?
- Organoleptic evaluation only (color, odor, taste)
- Thin-layer chromatographic observation without quantitation
- HPLC/UPLC fingerprinting combined with assay of one or more marker compounds
- Viscosity measurement of the final cream
Correct Answer: HPLC/UPLC fingerprinting combined with assay of one or more marker compounds
Q5. What is the most pragmatic preservative strategy for a natural moisturizing cream to ensure microbial safety while aligning with “natural” claims?
- Rely solely on essential oils as preservatives
- Use a broad-spectrum preservative system compatible with product pH (e.g., organic acids and chelators) and validated by preservative efficacy testing
- No preservative but store refrigerated
- Use high concentrations of ethanol as the only preservative
Correct Answer: Use a broad-spectrum preservative system compatible with product pH (e.g., organic acids and chelators) and validated by preservative efficacy testing
Q6. Which of the following natural emulsifiers is widely used in herbal cosmetic formulations for oil-in-water creams due to its compatibility with botanical actives?
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Glyceryl stearate (synthetic derivative)
- Soy or sunflower lecithin
- Polysorbate 80 (synthetic surfactant)
Correct Answer: Soy or sunflower lecithin
Q7. In India, which authority primarily governs the regulation of cosmetic products including herbal cosmetics?
- AYUSH (for all cosmetics)
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) exclusively
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Q8. The term “cosmeceutical” is best defined as which of the following?
- A legally recognized drug category for topical plant extracts
- A cosmetic product that delivers biologically active ingredients with dermatological benefits without being classified as a drug
- Any cosmetic with added vitamins
- A cosmetic that strictly contains pharmaceutical-grade synthetic actives
Correct Answer: A cosmetic product that delivers biologically active ingredients with dermatological benefits without being classified as a drug
Q9. Which botanical is traditionally used as a natural surfactant/foaming agent in shampoos and cleansers due to its high saponin content?
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Sapindus mukorossi (soapnut / reetha)
- Curcuma longa (turmeric)
Correct Answer: Sapindus mukorossi (soapnut / reetha)
Q10. Which group of phytochemicals is particularly associated with UV absorption and photoprotective potential in herbal sunscreens?
- Saponins
- Polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., ferulic acid)
- Alkaloids
- Polysaccharides
Correct Answer: Polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., ferulic acid)
Q11. Which parameter is MOST critical to monitor during accelerated stability testing of a herbal cosmetic extract to ensure product quality over shelf life?
- pH alone
- Microbial load only
- Assay of the defined marker compound(s) by validated analytical method and microbial limits
- Color change observed by naked eye only
Correct Answer: Assay of the defined marker compound(s) by validated analytical method and microbial limits
Q12. In the context of contact dermatitis risk from herbal cosmetics, which ingredient class is most commonly implicated?
- Preservatives like parabens (low allergenicity)
- Essential oils and fragrance constituents
- Plant polysaccharides
- Fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol)
Correct Answer: Essential oils and fragrance constituents
Q13. The anti-aging effect of Panax ginseng in topical formulations is primarily attributed to which mechanism?
- Inhibition of melanin synthesis
- Stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis via ginsenosides
- Providing strong emulsification properties
- Acting as a primary preservative
Correct Answer: Stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis via ginsenosides
Q14. Which spectrophotometric in vitro method is commonly used to estimate SPF potential of herbal extracts?
- Mansur in vitro spectrophotometric method
- DPPH free radical scavenging assay
- FRAP antioxidant assay
- Gas chromatography of volatile oils
Correct Answer: Mansur in vitro spectrophotometric method
Q15. Why is correct botanical nomenclature and voucher specimen deposition important in herbal cosmetic development?
- It is only a taxonomic formality with no practical impact
- To ensure accurate plant identification, reproducibility, legal traceability and avoidance of adulteration
- To increase marketing appeal only
- Because common names are always sufficient for regulatory submissions
Correct Answer: To ensure accurate plant identification, reproducibility, legal traceability and avoidance of adulteration
Q16. Which physicochemical properties of an active phytochemical most strongly influence its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum for topical efficacy?
- High molecular weight and extreme hydrophilicity
- Low molecular weight (generally <500 Da) and moderate lipophilicity (balanced LogP)
- Only the melting point matters
- Color and odor
Correct Answer: Low molecular weight (generally <500 Da) and moderate lipophilicity (balanced LogP)
Q17. What is a primary advantage of HPTLC fingerprinting in quality control of multi-component herbal extracts used in cosmetics?
- It only detects a single compound at a time
- It allows simultaneous visualization and semi-quantitative comparison of multiple constituents for fingerprinting and adulteration detection
- It is unsuitable for herbal matrices
- It replaces the need for any chromatographic quantification
Correct Answer: It allows simultaneous visualization and semi-quantitative comparison of multiple constituents for fingerprinting and adulteration detection
Q18. Which antioxidant assay is based primarily on hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms and often used to evaluate radical chain-breaking capacity of botanical extracts?
- DPPH assay (primarily electron transfer)
- FRAP assay (electron transfer)
- ORAC assay (oxygen radical absorbance capacity — HAT-based)
- UV-Visible absorbance at 280 nm
Correct Answer: ORAC assay (oxygen radical absorbance capacity — HAT-based)
Q19. Which formulation and packaging strategy best extends the shelf life of an oxygen-sensitive herbal oil-based cosmetic?
- Transparent wide-mouth jars stored in direct sunlight
- Addition of antioxidants, oxygen-impermeable opaque packaging, inert headspace (nitrogen) and appropriate preservatives
- No antioxidants but high fragrance to mask rancidity
- Storing at room temperature in thin plastic pouches open to air
Correct Answer: Addition of antioxidants, oxygen-impermeable opaque packaging, inert headspace (nitrogen) and appropriate preservatives
Q20. Which GMP-related control is most critical specifically for ensuring safety and reproducibility of herbal cosmetic products?
- Only final product visual inspection
- Comprehensive raw material authentication (botanical ID, contaminants, pesticide residues) and documented traceability
- Relying on supplier claims without testing
- Exclusive focus on marketing claims
Correct Answer: Comprehensive raw material authentication (botanical ID, contaminants, pesticide residues) and documented traceability
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com